Salmon Trail via Kinzel

Salmon Trail via Kinzel is a 14.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Welches, Oregon that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Did this as a long day hike going clockwise. Wanted to have fresh legs for the incline. Took us 9 hrs to complete and we are not in the best of shape. Either my phone gps is way off or the mileage on here is off. Phone said 20.75 miles from parking lot. Refilled water bottles right before the lookout tower. Ran out of water on the way back down and had to pump at the river. As stated earlier, lots of downed trees. Can't imagine having to climb over them at the end on fatigued legs. Views of the mountains was beautiful. Fields of clover and wildflowers along the way. If we did this again it would be as an overnighter. Only saw 1 person until we got to the lookout. Was really busy last couple of miles.

Myself and a group of friends did an overnight trip doing the loop counter clockwise. If you're looking to stay at Kinzel Lake, the trail leading to the lake campground is hard to find, there are no signs for it at all. It appears more as a wash, about a quarter mile before hitting the road, keep your eyes out for it. Hunchback trail past Devil's Peak had tons of fallen trees that you have to climb over, which was both fun and exhausting. Great loop.

Great overnight journey. We did this loop counter clockwise. Didn’t find a good access point for Kinzel Lake. Trail from Kinzel Lake to Green Canyon trail was mostly still snow covered. Excited to do this again later in the season. Hunchback trail could use some maintenance; blow downs.

Great trail. We only went up to the first lookout point on the ridge looking down to the river. We’re looking forward to doing it again and going through the entire loop. VERY heavy traffic with lots of people and dogs, so don’t expect to be on your own. Overall very fun.